Tax Returns: These German Financial Offices Are the Slowest - Germany’s tax offices reveal shocking delays—some take nearly 4 months for refunds
Tax return processing times in Germany vary widely, with some offices handling claims in under a month while others take nearly four. The fastest in 2025 was Schwalm-Eder in Schwalmstadt, completing returns in just 22 days. Meanwhile, Korbach-Frankenberg in Hesse lagged behind, taking up to 119 days—the slowest in the country.
The top ten quickest tax offices this year were led by Zwiesel (with its Viechtach branch) in Bavaria, averaging 28.4 days. Lindau in Bavaria followed at 31.1 days, with Hamburg-Ost in Hamburg close behind at 32.7 days. Tauberbischofsheim in Baden-Württemberg and Bottrop in North Rhine-Westphalia both processed returns in 33.1 days. The list also included Miesbach (33.6 days), Tauberbischofsheim’s Bad Mergentheim branch (34.0 days), Grafenau (34.1 days), Bensheim in Hesse (34.1 days), and Gunzenhausen in Bavaria (34.4 days).
Timing also affects processing speed. Returns filed in March took an average of 43 days, while those submitted in August averaged 80 days. Berlin International stood out as one of the slowest, with a processing time of 90.4 days. Refund amounts showed regional differences. Hamburg taxpayers received the highest average refund of €1,615 in 2025. The national average refund rose to €1,432, up nearly 8% from 2024. Saxony-Anhalt had the lowest average refund at €1,124. The largest single payout was €213,000, issued by a tax office in Baden-Württemberg.
The data highlights significant disparities in processing times and refund amounts across Germany. While some offices clear returns in weeks, others take months, affecting how quickly taxpayers receive their irs refund. The average refund increase suggests higher claims or improved processing, though regional variations remain.
